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Abheya Photo by Raj Kamal

Biography Abheya started meditating and searching for a spiritual teacher at an early age. Abheya was first impressed with Baba Ram Dass's book, "Be Here Now," who spoke about Oneness. Abheya's search for a teacher was fulfilled when she met Swamiji at 17 years of age, through a friend in Montreal. Abheya later travelled to India, where Swamiji encouraged Abheya to finish her education. Abheya is currently working on her doctoral thesis, which is a study of the Guru Tradition in India. Abheya is also a singer, a musician and teaches the Bhagavad Gita, and the Upanishaads. Written by Gisele Beaupre

Interview

Gisele: Abheya, what did you know about Swami Shyam before you met him?

Abheya: I knew that he would know me. I knew the power of Guru. He is your own being; like how a mother who recognizes her child. In the first letter I received back from Swamiji, something he wrote really hit home, "Man is born and dies alone, he alone is, no one can take you to the space, you have to arrive yourself". He gave me my name, Abheya which means fearless one, forever undivided, united.

Gisele: What was your first meeting with Swami Shyam like?

Abheya: I was so curious and so full of anticipation. Being a dramatic person, I wondered if I would cry or run to him or feel such strong emotion and union. I waited until Swamiji came into the room, singing a favourite song. He walked in, glanced at me and said, "Hello how are you?" We just started to laugh and laugh. The teary reunion wasn't there. The recognition of the being manifested in joy. It was so joyful. There was so much laughter I was completely absorbed. He asked me some questions, and we had a long eye meditation. Inside I was completely nourished. I stayed for four months. It was very special.

Gisele: What do you mean by nourished?

Abheya: With Guru, a sense of recognition took place. The soul is longing only to be recognized, to find somebody who could recognize it. Up until then, I never felt recognized. You may have a friend or a teacher who knows who you are, but not from the depth of your being. That desire to be known was satisfied. I felt that Swamiji knew me one hundred percent, and he showered me and showed me that he knew me thoroughly. I needed that. I couldn't move further until he recognized me. After that, the growth took on a whole new dimension; then there was direction and guidance.

Meeting my Guru was having the recognition of my own self. It was very powerful. At that time, I didn't really understand who Guru was, or that Guru, is the shortcut through your karmas, or habit patterns and result of past actions. If you actually follow what he says, not by blind faith but by your own understanding, he is actually cutting your karma in half. You don't have to suffer as much to learn something.

Transcribed by Gisele Beaupre

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